posted on Friday, June 26, 2020
Unnecessary Dumbness
I’m not pointing fingers at others, nor am I trying to break anyone’s standards of political correctness. My football background has led me to use this phrase in my own life as a self-imposed mental penalty for the numerous times that I have made mistakes. Oftentimes, they are mistakes that shouldn't have been made.
Life has taught many of us that saying some of the most basic four-word sentences can be extremely difficult, whether we are saying them to ourselves or to others. Two examples of these sentences would be, “I made a mistake”, and, “It was my fault." After personal errors, I try to say in my self-talk, “That was unnecessary dumbness.” When admitting errors to others, I often say, “That was unnecessary dumbness on my part. I’m sorry.”
It’s important for each of us to find ways in life that we can be accountable. Accountability is undoubtedly an important characteristic and leadership trait. Most people can agree that nobody is perfect. If this is true, then why does it become so difficult for us to admit that we made a mistake or that something was our fault? It’s one of the great mysteries of life.
In today’s world, it seems that placing blame has become very popular and that finding fault in others is appropriate. When problem-solving, it can help us to look into the mirror first and make sure we are not part of the problem. If we are not part of the problem, we need to ensure that our responses lead to positive solutions. Oftentimes when the focus is on blaming others, we are doing nothing to make things better.
The point of all of this is that it can help us in our lives if we can find ways to admit our mistakes and try to be more accountable. I hope it was not unnecessary dumbness on my part. Nobody’s perfect.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
James 5:16
CHALLENGE
See if you can do this. Think of someone you care about that you negatively impacted recently, look them in the eyes and say, “I made a mistake.” Then say to them, “It was my fault.” Good luck- you can do it.
Respectfully,
Al Kerns & the Ed Thomas Family Foundation